Permanent COVID-19 Memorial Dedication
The Davis Cemetery District will dedicate a permanent COVID-19 Memorial, a project three years in the making. The dedication will take place on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. (Guests are invited to arrive at 10:30 A.M. for a cardmaking project).
This memorial, located at 820 Pole Line Road, will serve as a space for reflection, remembrance, and healing. The memorial features a walking path with four portals—Home, Community, Loss, and Hope—leading to a reflection area where visitors can sit and contemplate the impact of the pandemic. As visitors exit the memorial, they will encounter images highlighting strength and resiliency, focusing on looking forward while remembering the past. Even though the memorial is in Davis, California, and many of its images reflect the Sacramento Region, it is intended to be a shared space of caring for people across the world.
The memorial honors those who lost their lives and considers first responders, essential workers, small businesses, caregivers, families, and friends, especially those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Closer to home, it acknowledges the local community's resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
The dedication will be led by Davis Cemetery District Vice Chair and memorial construction lead, Stephen Souza. It will feature remarks by Yolo County Supervisors Jim Provenza and Lucas Frerichs, City of Davis Mayor Joshua Chapman, Davis Firefighters Local 3494 President Matt Fix, and Lead Artist Wesley Horn. Artists Ro Mottsmith, Brenda Cibrian, Donna Lemongello, and Jennifer Nachmanoff who contributed to the memorial, will be present as visitors walk through the memorial to discuss their inspiration and creative process with the community. Janice Labadie and the Davis Threshold Singers will perform musical selections.
Memorial Details:
Features: walking path, art installations, seating/reflection space, informational signage, and privacy landscaping.
Portals: four artistically designed portals—Home, Community, Loss, and Hope—each representing different aspects of the pandemic experience.
Reflection Area: dedicated space at the end of the path for visitors to sit and reflect on the memorial's meaning.
Signage: informational signage will be placed along the path at a later date, emphasizing the community’s strength, resilience, and forward-looking spirit.
Artists: The memorial was designed by local artists led by Wesley Horn, a second-generation sculptor, ceramicist, mosaicist, and builder, specializing in large-scale public art and functional installations. The reflection wall was created by Ro Mottsmith, a Davis-based artist who works in both ceramics and paper.
Community Involvement: The memorial subcommittee and art team involved the community throughout the project, with volunteer mosaic work funded by sponsorships.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2642226-0
